DJERBA - TUNISIA'S ISLE OF FORGETFULNESS
Djerba has, for many centuries, enraptured travellers who have been lucky enough to land
on its shores. A veritable floating garden, rising from the sea like a mirage, the island's
spell of forgetfulness which supposedly entrapped visitors in ancient times, has not faded
with the passing centuries. It is said that Djerba is a land of dreams, created by nature
to enchant the imagination of the human soul.
Djerba (also known as Jerba) is a 614 sq km (238 sq mi) flat island situated off the southern
coast of Tunisia. It is joined to the mainland with a 6 km (3.6 mi) causeway built on a Roman
foundation. More than 145,000 inhabitants, mostly of Berber origin, live on this isle of
mythology. Its 133 km (83 mi) shoreline abounds with sandy-white beaches, gently lapped
by the warm-azure waters of the Mediterranean
Covered with trees and flowers, the island is in reality one huge oasis covered with more than
1,000,000 date palms and 700,000 olive trees, some over 3000 years old. In between, small fields
of apricots, carobs, figs, grapes, grenadines, lemons, mandarins, oranges and pomegranates
cover almost every empty space.
Here and there amid these fields, watered from some 2700 wells, are the breathtaking white,
small villages and isolated homes. The striking white houses, known as menzels, and their
architecture, unique to the island, appear like white jewels, sprinkled between the greenery.
Their rounded domes and bright snowy colour, embellished by sky-blue wrought iron trimmings,
sparkle in the sunlight and give the buildings an appealing charm. Inside, there are clean
courtyards filled with trees and flowers. Set amid these fairy tale buildings are to be found
the some eye-catching 200 small mosques - many of the older ones built as fortresses to ward
off invaders.
Enhancing these and other villages are Djerba's annual 300 days of sunshine and warm blue
waters with their cooling breezes, edged glittering sands, embellished by the many attractive
and comfortable modern hotels with the most up-to-date tourist facilities.
With the softness of its sweet-serene air, perfumed with the flowers of the many fruit trees,
overshadowed by clear blue sky and ringed by golden sands, this paradise isle will hold most
travellers spellbound.
Facts about Djerba and Tunisia:
- To enter Tunisia, no visas are necessary for travellers from Western Europe, Japan, U.S.A. and Canada.
- The currency used in Tunisia is the Dinar.
- To get around on the island, taxis are metered and very reasonable; buses and shared taxis (louages) connect all towns and villages; autos can be rented - small ones for about 75 dinars per day, fully insured.
- Tunisia is the most sophisticated, relaxed and tolerant state in North Africa. Women travellers are very safe when travelling alone.